1. 1/18/2014 MacBook Pro: Bottom case foot replacement DIY instructions
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MacBook Pro: Bottom case foot replacement DIY
instructions
This article details the do it yourself (DIY) repair process for installing feet and plugs for MacBook (13‑inch,
Aluminum, Late 2008) and MacBook Pro computers that exhibit missing or damaged bottom case feet.
A MacBook Pro covered by the Apple Limited Warranty or by an AppleCare Protection Plan may receive a
replacement foot without charge. A MacBook Pro that is out‑of‑warranty may have a charge associated with the
replacement.
Note: For consumers, who are covered by consumer protection laws or regulations in their country of purchase or,
if different, their country of residence, the benefits conferred by Apple's One Year Limited Warranty or by an
AppleCare Protection Plan are in addition to all rights and remedies conveyed by such consumer protection laws
and regulations, including but not limited to these additional rights.
You may choose between three options to receive a replacement bottom case foot:
Assisted service
1. Visit an Apple Retail Store. Set up an appointment with a Genius.
2. Visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Find one here.
Self service
3. Order a bottom case foot replacement DIY kit. Contact Apple.
DIY Foot Replacement Instructions
Note: Use the foot replacement kit for missing feet only. Do not replace well‑adhered feet. Removing feet for the
sake of replacement can damage the bottom case.
Tools Needed to Complete Repair:
Phillips 00 screwdriver
Tweezers
Paper clip or safety pin
Gloves are not necessary for this procedure.
Preliminary Step
Before you begin, check the foot location requiring replacement and verify that the case plug, and the case foot in
the kit, match the pictures below.
Foot area on bottom case Matching component
Outer bottom case Outer foot
Inner bottom case
Inner plug
Inner plug cover
Languages English

2. 1/18/2014 MacBook Pro: Bottom case foot replacement DIY instructions
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Procedure
Warning: The glue used in this procedure can bond instantly to skin. Do not touch the glue. In the event of
contact, review the safety instructions at the end of this document. For additional information, refer to the
glue manufacturer:
Loctite
Rocky Hill, CT. 06067
www.loctite.com
Note: Do not use any other type of glue except the one included in the foot replacement kit. Fumes from other
types of glue could affect other internal components.
1. Place the computer upside down on a clean, lint‑free cloth or other nonabrasive surface. Remove the bottom
case.
2. Using the Phillips 00 screwdriver, remove the bottom case by removing 10 screws. Important: Screws at sides
and front must be removed and installed at an angle.
3. Gently pull the bottom case from the side the display hinges are on and lift upwards at an angle.
4. Make sure the foot area on the bottom case is clean and free of debris. If any portion of the foot adhesive
remains, peel it up with a pair of tweezers.

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5. Clean both sides of the bottom case around the foot area. Allow the alcohol to evaporate.
6. Peel the outer foot from its packaging and affix it firmly to the bottom case. Do not use the glue to adhere
the outer foot to the bottom case. Avoid touching the adhesive backing.
7. Use a paperclip or safety pin to open the glue nozzle. A paperclip or safety pin can also unplug the glue
nozzle after storage. Apply a very small drop of glue on the bottom of the foot on the inner bottom case. Do
not spread the glue.
8. Seat the plug onto the glued area.

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9. Do not use your finger to press the foot plug down. Use the wooden end of a cotton swab to press the foot
plug into place. Lightly press and hold the foot in place for 30 seconds.
10. Clean any excess glue with a cotton dry swab. Important: Do not wipe the glue; use the cotton dry swab to
absorb any excess glue. Excess puddled glue may take hours to dry and may cause the bottom case to
adhere to the logic board or interior cabling.
11. Using a timer, allow the glue to set for at least 60 minutes before applying the foot plug cover over the foot
plug. Important: If laser etching is visible by the foot area, do not use the foot plug cover. Laser etching will
normally be found on the left‑rear foot area.

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12. Reassembly Note: Install screws in order shown. If sequence is not followed, bottom case might wobble
when placed on level surface.
Additional Information
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS: GLUE IS AN EYE AND SKIN IRRITANT. GLUE BONDS TO SKIN INSTANTLY.
Contains ethyl cyanoacrylate. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. If eye or mouth contact occurs, hold eyelid or
mouth open and rinse thoroughly but gently with water only for 15 minutes and GET MEDICAL ATTENTION.
Liquid glue will sting eye temporarily. Solidified glue may irritate eye like a grain of sand and should be treated by
an eye doctor.
If skin bonding occurs, soak in acetone‑based nail polish remover or warm soapy water and carefully peel or roll
skin apart (do not pull). Contact through clothing may cause skin burn. If spilled on clothing, flush with cold
water. Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors. use with adequate ventilation. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF
CHILDREN.
Important: Mention of third‑party websites and products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation.
Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance or use of information or products found at third‑party websites. Apple provides this
only as a convenience to our users. Apple has not tested the information found on these sites and makes no representations regarding its accuracy or
reliability. There are risks inherent in the use of any information or products found on the Internet, and Apple assumes no responsibility in this regard. Please
understand that a third‑party site is independent from Apple and that Apple has no control over the content on that website. Please contact the vendor for
additional information.

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MacBook Pro: How to remove or install
memory
Removing or installing memory Step 4: Replace
the bottom case
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Last Modified: Aug 14, 2013
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